Indonesia unrest: Govt ready to bring home students if situation worsen

Thousands rallied across Indonesia on September 1, as the military was deployed in the capital after six people were killed in nationwide protests sparked by anger over lavish perks for lawmakers. (Photo by Timur Matahari / AFP)

JOHOR BAHRU: The Higher Education Ministry will take proactive steps, including bringing home Malaysian students, if riots in several regions of Indonesia escalate, said its minister.

Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry, through the Education Malaysia office in the republic, is constantly working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor the current situation.

He said there are currently 1,200 Malaysian students pursuing their studies in the neighbouring country.

"We are conducting monitoring and working together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," he said at a press conference after launching the Digital Innovation Creativepreneur 3.0 (DICE 3.0) Programme at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here on Wednesday (Sept 3).

Also present were the ministry's Secretary-General Datuk Dr Anesee Ibrahim and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Fadzli Adam. — Bernama